The mayor of the city of Toyoaca (about 68 thousand inhabitants) proposed limiting the use of smartphones for all citizens up to two hours a day. An exception will be made for work, study and sports. According to the authorities, the purpose of the initiative is to draw attention to the problem of dependence on the phones.
The mayor of Masafumi Koki emphasized that this is not about the strict law, but rather about the recommendation. There will be no punishment for exceeding the limit. The document also provides for the “commandant hour” for children: until 9 pm – for younger students and until 10 pm – for teenagers.
However, the idea met resistance. The city hall received about 125 calls and letters, and 80% of them were against it. Residents complain of restriction of freedom and doubt the need for such a step. Nevertheless, there were also supporters who believe that “smartphone dependence” is a real problem.
